To Right A Wrong

Every wrong doing is a barrier separating us from God. To move closer to Him, the barrier must be removed. Restitution (described in the dictionary as “any act of restoring . . . of giving an equivalent for loss or damage”) is one way of accomplishing this. It is not easy, but if you work at it, you’ll find the rewards are great.

First, read the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and not how he decided that before he could become a follower of Jesus he had to make restitution for his past dishonesty: “And if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Then review the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). Make your prayer something like this: “Lord, I have done many wrong things in my life. Help me to see now which ones I can rectify. Show me how to go about this so that in a small way it will ease the hurt of mankind and glorify You.”

Second, make a list of the wrongs you want to right and submit it prayerfully to God. Remember this is a private matter between you and God. Do not let anyone else see this list. Overzealousness in confessing sins is wrong if it involves someone else and hurts is or her reputation.

Third, write down after each wrong the action you feel guided to take. A letter of apology; or, if there seems no way to pay a person back, send an equivalent sum to a church or charity. Restoring a bad relationship is thorny; one way is to seek the other person out and personally admit your mistake. Go further and accept responsibility for things that happened which you feel were not your fault. If your effort is rejected, don’t feel hurt. You tried. Te wounds may take time to heal. Try again later.

Restitution is a good way to deal wit an overgrown ego. It also strengthen one’s faith and makes it harder to beackslide. The worker who returned the equipment he had sneaked out of his company found his will to resist temptations stronger. The more so because he acknowledged his guilt to is boss and fellow workers. Restitution always const something—money, pride, position—but the alternative is worse, and inner discontent.

Righting a wrong smooths your way to God agan!

Source: “ Daily Guidepost ”